Everton’s U18s squared off with Brighton and Hove Albion on Tuesday night, and fans loved the junior Toffees coming out on top.
It was an overall impressive display by the likes of Anthony Gordon and Ellis Simms, as the U18s booked their place in the next round of the FA Youth Cup, and a quarter-final trip to West Bromwich Albion.
The U18 Premier League leaders had set up the midweek clash with the Seagulls after a narrow penalty shoot-out victory over Stoke City, but the small clutch of fans in attendance at Goodison Park backed the boys from the off with a spate of chants.
In return, Paul Tait’s side opened the scoring with a rifled effort from Michael Collins a minute before Simms bagged his 23rd goal of the season in all competitions, this time from an acute angle.
A packed engine room consisting of captain Einar Iversen, Bobby Carroll and Mackenzie Hunt kept the visitors busy throughout the match, and fans on social media could not help note how the first-team could benefit from the control at which the Under 18s eased to victory…
Well in Blue boys… the future looks promising
— C.j (@blue4toffee) February 12, 2019
Get Ellis Simms in first team squad give us something to get excited about
— TheProSpartanGamer (@prospartangamer) February 12, 2019
Well at least somethings happening at Everton, glad to see the young boys pulling the weight of the club. #COYB All the way!
— EvertonsLoyalRoyalNZBlue (@EvertonsLoyal) February 13, 2019
Under 18s showing first team how to zonal mark. Strong defensive performance, impressed by Astley.
— Trevor Edwards (@blackrodblue) February 12, 2019
Yet another goal for simms , kids a real talent
— mogsy (@mogs157) February 12, 2019
Always great to see the youth doing well before they break into the first team and get destroyed by the crowd
— mike (@marobbo76) February 12, 2019
Why isn’t simms in the first team yet
— M.C ????????????????????????♿♿ (@blueboy200) February 12, 2019
The first goal was great to see lovely football
— Darren metcalf (@dazzie_666) February 12, 2019